COVID Blog – www.fencer.com

September 1:

The Chevy Chase Fencing Club has resumed practices at the Chevy Chase Community Center. Practice and private lessons (by appointment) are for experienced fencers with their own full uniform and equipment who are competitive members of USA Fencing. All participants must wear a face mask at all times in the building including under their fencing mask while fencing. Everyone must sign the contact trace form upon arrival. The club practices from 6:00pm to 8:15pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 7.

August 7:

Club practices and private lessons will resume at the Chevy Chase Community Center on Tuesday, August 10. The club will be practicing Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00pm until 7:00pm.

All members of the Chevy Chase Fencing Club are invited to return to practice. Private lessons can be arranged by appointment. Please read our COVID procedures prior to arrival.

Group classes for adults and youth (ages 8 to 12) are expected to begin in the fall.

June 3:

Although DC Department of Parks and Recreation has not yet allowed us to return to our fencing room at the Chevy Chase Community Center, the fencing club is continuing to meet on Saturday evenings, 6:00pm, outside at my home in Damascus, MD.

We have one fencing strip marked by driveway chalk in the driveway with our wireless system connected to our scoring machine.

There is space in the driveway for private lessons while bouting takes place on the fencing strip. Private lessons are by appointment only.

Since most of us are fully vaccinated, the wearing of face masks is optional (but required for those who are not fully vaccinated).

Private lessons cost $30.00 for approximately a half-hour lesson. Note that since we should not be sharing equipment, all participants must have their own fencing uniform and equipment. Let me know if you wish to purchase any uniform items or equipment as I have specific recommendations and can place the order for you.

April 21:

Read all about our Olympian, Kat Holmes, in a recent online interview. Yes, she does mention her start at Chevy Chase Fencing Club.

April 11:

At Saturday’s Zoom meeting we discussed resuming fencing private lessons and practices. The Chevy Chase Community Center is still not open to the public. Instead, we will be giving private lessons, by appointment, in my driveway. I’ve marked out a full-sized fencing strip with driveway chalk. We can use our wireless scoring machine (placed on the table just past the flower bed in the photo) for bouting. Of course, private lessons and bouting will only be available during good weather. Hopefully, the Community Center will be open soon.

April 3:

We met with armorer Ted Li during today’s Zoom. Ted spoke to us about the S.E.M.I. Commission of the F.I.E. Ted became a member of the international commission four years ago. The S.E.M.I certifies all fencing equipment that is allowed to be used at international competitions. View a recording of our Zoom online.

March 27:

Today we continued our look at the penalty chart by viewing several of the modules in Lisa Campi-Sapery’s Youtube channel, The Fencing Referee. After viewing a module, we had a short discussion of those penalties. A video of our discussion is online.

Every fencer must know the rules of the game. If you don’t know what actions may cause you to receive a yellow, red, or black penalty card, then you may not be able to avoid them. You should know whether the referee is applying a penalty rule correctly, and if not, politely ask for a clarification or bout committee review.

March 24:

Congrats to former Chevy Chase Fencing Club fencer, Olympian Kat Holmes!! Kat competed in both the individual and team events at the World Cup tournament in Kazan, Russia. Based on her results this past weekend, Kat qualified to compete in both the individual and team events at the Tokyo Olympics.

March 20:

We looked closely at the penalty chart by viewing several of the modules in Lisa Campi-Sapery’s Youtube channel, The Fencing Referee. We then discussed each of the modules. A video of our discussion is online.

Part 2 of our review of the penalty chart will be the topic of next week’s Zoom meeting.

March 14:

Happy Pi Day!

Yesterday’s Zoom meeting was a presentation on “Scoresheet Basics”. Every fencer needs to know how to keep score on the official scoresheets (5-touch pool bouts and 15-touch direct elimination bouts). Fencers must keep track of the scores and before signing the scoresheet (after the pool or DE bout), be certain that it is recorded correctly. Watch the Zoom recording or download the PowerPoint presentation.

March 8:

On Saturday, March 6, the CCFC Zoom meeting was a talk about how fencing equipment is manufactured. I interviewed Ben Paul of Leon Paul Fencing Equipment, of London, England. We talked about how masks, blades and clothing is made and showed short videos of these topics. We also discussed the latest news re. RFID chips being inserted in uniforms and plans for Leon Paul in the future Olympic Games. A video of the interview, mask, blade and clothing manufacture are online.

February 28:

We learned about USA Fencing at yesterday’s Zoom as we watched a video of the August 2020 Athletes Council Town Hall. Former CCFC fencer and Olympian Kat Holmes, Chair of the Athletes Council, organized the Town Hall and joined us, live, on our Zoom. Kat’s presentation discussed all aspects of the organization of USA Fencing and included members of the Board of Directors and National Office discussing their roles. You may watch a recording of our Zoom or the video of the Town Hall. The Powerpoint slides used in the Town Hall are can also be downloaded.

Kat Holmes answered our questions at the conclusion of the video. She also mentioned that she recommends the Zenzah facemask under her fencing mask when practicing and competing.

February 20:

Today’s Zoom meeting discussed parries — positions, lines, nomenclature, and how they are used in epee and foil.

Also, the table of our Zoom videos now includes some PDF Powerpoint presentations and some other activities (Jeopardy games, crossword puzzle, jigsaw puzzle) in addition to links to the video recordings.

February 14:

Yesterday’s guest speaker was Robert Zagunis, President of the US Fencing Foundation. Robert explained the history, structure, and goals of the foundation which was created to support our NGB, USA Fencing. View a recording of the Zoom or download the donation forms below to support the sport.

February 6:

We played Fencing Jeopardy v.2.0 at today’s Zoom. Watch the video or you can play the game.

January 23:

At today’s Zoom meeting we displayed the FIE approved country logos and mask designs. View the video recording.

January 17:

Yesterday’s Zoom meeting featured a discussion of team fencing lead by Fencing Master Ro Sobalvarro. Ro is the coach of Twin Cities Fencing Club and was the coach of the Bronze Medal US Women’s Epee Team at the 2012 London Olympics. View a recording of our discussion.

January 9:

Hope everyone remained safe and healthy during the holidays.

Today we held our first Zoom of 2021. We discussed “weapons check” and I played a video produced by the F.I.E. that shows the process of weapons check at international tournaments.

Next week, Fencing Master Ro Sobalvarro will be speaking with us about team fencing. Ro was the Olympic coach of the women’s epee team at the 2012 London Olympics that brought home the bronze medal for the USA.

December 19:

Today’s Zoom was titled “Repair Tools and Spare Parts”. Watch the video recording and/or download a PDF of the presentation.

Our next Zoom meeting will be on January 9th. Have a safe and happy holiday. See you next year.

December 13:

At yesterday’s Zoom I talked about the PVC practice frame that I constructed following the instructions provided by Sara Kass of Cyrano’s Place Fencing Club. We watched Sara’s YouTube video after which I listed the supplies that are needed (presentation PDF) and finished with a short video demonstrating the use of the completed PVC frame.

December 6:

Our Saturday Zoom guest speaker was Fencing Master Laurie Schiller. Laurie is the retired coach of Northwestern University and has over 1,000 collegiate team victories. Laurie spoke to us about NCAA fencing, fencing NCAA committees, and how the dual (duel? [sic]) meets and National Championships are run. View a recording of Laurie’s presentation.

November 24:

US Fencing has updated the pandemic restrictions of the regional event due to the increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

November 22:

Yesterday’s CCFC Zoom was entitled “A Very, Very, Short History of Fencing — What’s the Point (d’Arret)?” A recording of the Zoom meeting is available to view online. We will not have a Zoom meeting next Saturday, Thanksgiving Weekend. Everyone please stay safe.

November 15:

Our guest at yesterday’s Zoom meeting was Jane Littmann. Jane is the co-founder and coach of the Columbia Fencers Club in South Carolina. Jane was the first women’s epee fencer to be awarded an A-rating. Jane won several events at National Championships and was a member of two US World Championship teams. A video of Jane’s visit is online.

November 7:

Last week’s Zoom meeting was about the tactical wheel and strategy development. But in order to develop strategy one must know what moves both you and your opponent are using. So today we discussed “Fencing Terminology“. One has to know what the fencing techniques are called so that you can identify them, remember what took place and use them when analyzing what strategy will overcome your opponent. A copy of the Powerpoint presentation is available for review.

November 1:

The topic of yesterday’s Zoom meeting was “The Tactical Wheel & Strategy Development”. A recording of the Zoom is available here. A Powerpoint presentation was shown that included a Youtube video demonstrating the tactical wheel. Here is a short, one-page description of the tactical wheel from the US Fencing Coaches Association.

October 25:

Yesterday’s Zoom meeting featured a video recording of national armorer Ted Li produced by Sara Kass of Cyrano’s Place. This was followed by a slide presentation explaining how to solve weapon problems on the fencing strip. You can view a recording of the Zoom online.

October 18:

We had a great Zoom meeting yesterday with Fencing Master and Olympian Vinnie Bradford. We viewed Vinnie’s T.E.D. Talk about women in sport and then she spoke to us about increasing diversity in fencing. She is one of the organizers of wfencing.org and presented the status report that wfencing produced.

October 11:

Saturday’s Zoom meeting was entitled “Fencing Equipment: From Mask to Shoes; What’s Available, My Recommendations and Why I Recommend Them”. If you want to learn about what fencing equipment to purchase take a look at the video recording. I explain why I like some brands of equipment more than other brands. It is just my opinion and others may have their own preferences.

October 4:

We had fun at yesterday’s Zoom meeting sharing our fencing t-shirts. I presented my photo collection of over 300 fencing t-shirts! The Zoom is available to view online.

September 26:

The topic of today’s Zoom meeting was “Meet Management: Set-up, Seeding & FencingTime”. We discussed how pools are initially seeded based on national points and letter rankings and how the DE Tables are organized. A demonstration of FencingTime software was presented illustrating how the computer automates many of the tasks of a meet manager. Capitol Division supports meet managers with a $125.00 stipend per day. The recording of our Zoom meeting is available online for review.

September 19:

Today’s Zoom was entitled “Zen & Fencing”, a YouTube video produced by Northwest Fencing Center. Our Zoom is available online.

September 17:

Referee Lisa Campi-Sapery is offering another Zoom referee clinic on Saturday, October 3. Register online. Lisa spoke to us a few weeks ago (see the video recording). She is an international-level referee and certifified instructor. The cost of the clinic and exams will be reimbursed by Capitol Division once you have passed successfully. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a fencing referee, the clinic is a good way to understand how referees are watching and interpreting the rules during your fencing competitions.

September 16:

We didn’t have a Zoom meeting on Labor Day Weekend. Last Saturday, we held a watch party to view the film “Rising Phoenix,” a well produced film about the Paralympics, highlighting the stories of several parathletes (including a gold medalist fencer) and how the Paralympics was financially threatened in Rio de Janeiro.

I have posted a listing of fencing competitions in the Reference section of this website. When possible, the PDF document contains links to regsiter for the tournaments. Note that all tournaments are tentative due to the pandemic.

Just heard the news that the Capitol Clash Tournament scheduled for January in National Harbor, MD has been canceled due to the pandemic:

August 30:

At yesterday’s Zoom we shared several of the YouTube videos of Cyrano’s Place (Coach Sara Kass). They showed how to make a target, a tennis ball practice frame and exercises for stretching, and footwork. Check them out for yourself on YouTube (Subscribe!) and do your footwork exercises along with the videos. I mentioned that we have Chevy Chase Fencing Club face masks (see below) available and just e-mail me if you wish to purchase them (including your size, Adult Large, Adult Small, Kids). A recording of yesterday’s CCFC Zoom is available online.

We will not have a Zoom meeting next Saturday as it is Labor Day Weekend. Have a good “Staycation”!

August 28:

I have several CCFC face masks available in stock. It took us a great deal of time to find a reputable face mask wholesale company that allowed us to put a bulk order in at once. As everyone is required to wear one now, except for those who are exempt, it is very important that we have a range of sizes as well as enough masks so that everyone who wants one can get one. The good thing about these masks is that their ear loops are adjustable and there is a filter pocket. They come in three sizes, Adult Large, Adult Medium, and Kids Size. Check the sizing chart to determine your size. Send me an e-mail to if you wish to purchase one or more and be sure to specify your size. $23.00 each.

August 24:

I found a website with current Covid-19 information, updated daily. They allow the information to be published on any website. See below:

August 23:

Yesterday’s CCFC Zoom meeting was a social visit amongst our members. Everyone got to speak about how they are doing during this pandemic’s isolation. The recording of the meeting is not online.

August 19:

Last Saturday we discussed face masks. Here are some web links for face mask items that you might find useful:

These adhesive aluminum nose wires can stick to any mask that doesn’t have one built in. Take them off before you wash your mask, but they may still be sticky and may be reattached. If not, it’s only $10.00 for 120 of them.

I like these plastic frames that can fit inside your mask filter pocket and help to keep the face mask away from your mouth.

August 17:

Lisa Campi-Sapery’s all-day Saturday referee seminar has been moved from Saturday, September 26 to Saturday, October 3. Preregister online.

Another referee seminar (both in person (Herndon, VA) and by Zoom) is being offered by Russell Wilson. Russ Wilson is a former chair of the Fencing Officials Commission and was a referee at the 1984, 1988, and 1996 Olympic Games for all three weapons, and one of two living people who refereed the finals in both foil and saber. He is a Certified Referee Instructor (CRI), one of only a handful of people to have held the category “AAA” international referee rating in foil, épée, and saber. Coach Russ holds the rank of “Referee Emeritus” in the United States Fencing Association – this is the highest honor granted a referee. He has served as chair of numerous panels for USA Fencing, and is USA Fencing’s Director of Security since 2001. Professionally, Russ is an expert in national security affairs and holds five advanced degrees. In 2010, Russell Wilson was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

August 16:

At yesterday’s Zoom meeting we discussed face masks. Once we start practicing again everyone will be required to wear face masks at all times, even under their fencing masks when drilling or bouting. I have tried several masks from different companies. When exercising, it is important to be able to breathe easily. The one I like best is from UnderArmour, but it is also the most expensive at $30.00. It has 3 layers (but no pocket for a filter) and is very comfortable. Second place is the mask I ordered from VistaPrint with the Chevy Chase Fencing Club logo on it. It does have a filter pocket and wire across the bridge of the nose. The straps around the ears are adjustable. I will order several of these masks with the CCFC logo on it for sale to our fencers. Bettie showed us her beautiful embroidered masks that she ordered from Etsy. You can see a recording of our Zoom online.

August 9:

We had a great conversation with referee Lisa Campi-Sapery at yesterday’s Zoom meeting. Lisa is one of the top international referees in the US and a good friend. A recording of the Zoom meeting is available online.

Learn to referee and become a certified referee while social distancing. Becoming a referee will improve your fencing even if you don’t become certified. For our foil fencers, it will teach you how right-of-way is determined. For epee fencers, you will learn how difficult some of the referee calls can become. For both foil and epee fencers, you will learn when you can question your referee during a tournament (politely) and when you should not. As a bonus, referees get paid! You can referee at local tournaments when you are not competing and earn cash! At national tournaments referees are paid a stipend, airfare, hotel and food. Refereeing at national tournaments on days you aren’t competing is a good way to reduce the cost of travel. Parents of fencers can also become referees. Fencing experience is not a prerequisite.

I recommend that you watch the Youtube videos by Lisa Campi Sapery on her channel “The Fencing Referee“. This Youtube channel is a series of short videos each describing a different aspect of refereeing.

To become a certified referee one has to take a referee development clinic, pass an online exam, and be observed refereeing at a competition (Process for Becoming a Referee). Although it is not yet possible, due to the pandemic, to referee at a tournament, it is possible to study the rules book and referee study guide, take a referee clinic and pass the online exam. (If you do become a certified referee, the Capitol Division will reimburse the expenses for the clinic and testing for Capitol Division members.) Lisa recommended two of her Zoom referee clinics that are listed on AskFRED, one is given every Thursday evening in September, the other will be on Saturday, October 3.

August 1:

Today’s Zoom session was a lot of fun and educational. We had three CCFC fencers play a game of “Fencing Jeopardy” while others on the Zoom cheered them on or attempted to answer the questions that none of the contestants could answer. Although we did not record the meeting, you can play the game yourself online.

July 28:

Last Saturday’s CCFC Zoom meeting was a video watch party. We watch 13 small fencing video clips. There was a lot of variety in the videos, everything from a CNN interview done at CCFC, Lego fencing, Olympic fencing interviews, movie fight scenes, even an animated cartoon. Capitol Division of the US Fencing Association held its annual meeting on Sunday, July 26 at which time new officers were elected. At the Executive Committee meeting immediately following the election several topics were discussed including not to hold any sanctioned fencing tournaments (with the possible exception of the Junior Olympic Qualifiers) during the calendar year 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 19:

As you know, we have been organizing a lot of virtual guest speakers to talk to our members in order to keep them motivated during the pandemic. Our guest at yesterday’s Zoom meeting was US Fencing President-Elect Peter Burchard. Peter talked about his future plans for US Fencing and answered questions from the Chevy Chase Fencing Club members. A recording of a Zoom meeting is available online.

July 12:

CCFC had a very interesting Zoom meeting yesterday. Our guest was US Fencing Historian, Fencing Master Andy Shaw. Andy spoke to us about the start of fencing in the United States and gave us a tour of the Museum of American Fencing. A recording of the Zoom is available online.

July 5:

Yesterday’s CCFC Zoom was a “watch party”. We watched the movie “Southern Fried Fencing”, a film about Fencing Master Andy Shaw. Everyone provided their own popcorn and snacks. Andy will be joining us as a guest on next Saturday’s Zoom meeting!

June 27:

Today’s Zoom meeting was a tour of various fencing resources available on the Internet. We visited a few of my favorite websites. A recording of the Zoom is available online.

June 21:

Chevy Chase Fencing Club has a Zoom meeting for our fencers every Saturday at 2:00pm EDT. Yesterday’s Zoom featured a guest, former CCFC fencer and British Fencing Master Isobel Combes. Isobel discussed how the pandemic has affected Britain and how her fencing club, Four of Clubs (located near Manchester), has been practicing during the lockdown. Isobel, one of several students of CCFC Fencing Master Raymond Finkleman who have become fencing coaches, started fencing in 1984. A recording of the Zoom meeting is available online.

June 18:

Learn to referee and become a certified referee while social distancing. Becoming a referee will improve your fencing. For our foil fencers, it will teach you how right-of-way is determined. For epee fencers, you will learn how difficult some of the referee calls can become. For both foil and epee fencers, you will learn when you can question your referee during a tournament (politely) and when you should not. As a bonus, referees get paid! You can referee at local tournaments when you are not competing and earn cash! At national tournaments referees are paid a stipend, airfare, hotel and food. Refereeing at national tournaments on days you aren’t competing is a good way to reduce the cost of travel. Parents of fencers can also become referees. Fencing experience is not a prerequisite.

Lisa is offering a referee clinic via Zoom on July 11. The cost for the referee clinic is $50.00 until July 3, $60.00 July 4-10, payable online at AskFRED. Once you become a certified referee, including observation at a tournament, Capitol Division will reimburse you the cost of the clinic and exam.

June 14:

CCFC had a good Zoom meeting yesterday. We fenced with each other using only words. This teaches us visualization and helps to develop quick reaction times with the appropriate technique. We also watched a highlight video of the US Women’s Epee Team (anchored by former CCFC fencer, Kat Holmes) win 3rd place at the Tallinn World Cup last November. You can view our Zoom meeting online.

June 7:

At yesterday’s CCFC Zoom meeting I presented a video of various fencing techniques and asked the participants to identify the moves used by both fencers. When fencing in a tournament one must be analyzing the moves used by one’s opponent in order to develop a winning strategy against them. Everyone thought this Zoom meeting was very helpful. I’ve posted the Zoom online and have also posted the “Fencing Technique Video” should you wish to watch it separate from the Zoom. You can watch the technique video and pause it before each of the techniques are revealed.

June 2:

US Fencing has announced that the Summer National Championships and July Challenge has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for early July then postponed to possibly August or September, the USFA has not yet sanctioned competitions locally, regionally or nationally.

May 31:

Yesterday’s CCFC Zoom meeting was a social visit and a watch party for the launch of SpaceX Crewed Dragon to the ISS. Since it was only a social meeting, it will not be posted online.

May 26:

DC’s Mayor Bowser has extended the city’s Stay At Home Order to June 8. So DC is not yet at Reopening Stage 1. Community Centers are planned to open with restrictions in place in Stage 3.

May 23:

At today’s CCFC Zoom meeting we discussed fencing vocabulary. It is important to know the words for the many fencing moves and techniques so that you can analyze your opponents and develop a strategy against them. The recording of the Zoom is available online for your review.

I’ve posted a test to see if you know your fencing terms. Click here. You may want to print the test on a printer. A link to the test answers is at the bottom of the test webpage.

May 16:

Our guest at today’s Zoom meeting was Ed Donofrio. Ed is an Olympian, National Champion and Coach at the US Naval Academy. Everyone learned from Ed’s fencing advice and enjoyed his stories about his fencing experiences. You can view a recording of the Zoom online.

May 9:

Today’s Zoom meeting featured Lorrie Marcil-Holmes who is running for re-election to the US Fencing Board of Directors (vote for her!). You can view the recording of the Zoom online. Next week, we will have as a guest Ed Donofrio, a nominee for the US Fencing Hall of Fame (vote for him!) and an Olympian.

May 3:

At Saturday’s Zoom meeting (May 2), we discussed the three US Fencing manuals: Rulesbook, Operations Manual and Athlete’s Handbook. A recording is available online. Next Saturday, 2:00pm, we will have Lorrie Marcil-Holmes, a member of the US Fencing Board of Directors, visit with us. Lorrie is the mother of CCFC former fencer and Olympian, Kat Holmes, and is running for re-election to the board this month.

April 26:

Here is a fun jigsaw puzzle you can do online. You can make it full screen or change the number of puzzle pieces if you wish.

April 25:

CCFC’s Zoom meeting today was just a social event. No lectures on fencing topics, just visiting with friends. Take a look at the recording. See this Facebook video to see how to stuff a clothes hanger, towel and pillow inside your fencing jacket to create a practice target. (You don’t have to join Facebook to view the video.)

April 23:

Lisa is offering a referee clinic via Zoom on May 16. The cost for the referee clinic is $35.00 until May 13, $45.00 May 14-15, payable online at AskFRED. Once you become a certified referee, including observation at a tournament, Capitol Division will reimburse you the cost of the clinic and exam.

April 18:

CCFC’s Zoom meeting today demonstrated how to rewire an epee blade. You can view the recording here.

April 16:

US Fencing has cancelled all club practices at least through April 30 and all competitions at least through May 11. See their notice below:

Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation and the world, USA Fencing Member and Affiliate Club activities will remain unsanctioned through at least April 30. Unsanctioned activities will not be covered by USA Fencing’s insurance. Neither USA Fencing nor any of its divisions will be sanctioning any competitions until at least May 11.

April 15:

The FIE has canceled all Olympic qualification events through June. Qualification rankings are “frozen”. There are still several qualification events to be held when it is safe and there will be several “preparatory” competitions beforehand. See the letter from the FIE for details.